Apex DOS DIY level switch?

beboyle · Mar 14, 2018

I know this is an old thread but thought I'd post this in case somebody else is looking for answers as I was a few days ago. A DOS-compatible cable with two optical sensors is being sold on eBay. Just got mine and it appears to work as expected. I plugged it into the DOS and Apex shows a DDR and both sensors attached.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/352275690018

Debacle · Mar 14, 2018

beboyle said:
I know this is an old thread but thought I'd post this in case somebody else is looking for answers as I was a few days ago. A DOS-compatible cable with two optical sensors is being sold on eBay. Just got mine and it appears to work as expected. I plugged it into the DOS and Apex shows a DDR and both sensors attached.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/352275690018

Yeah but $45? Nty. If you really wanted to do it yourself you can build your own using old computer power supply cable and a resistor you can pick up on Amazon for a few dollars per dozen.

Mark Gray · Mar 14, 2018

beboyle said:
I know this is an old thread but thought I'd post this in case somebody else is looking for answers as I was a few days ago. A DOS-compatible cable with two optical sensors is being sold on eBay. Just got mine and it appears to work as expected. I plugged it into the DOS and Apex shows a DDR and both sensors attached.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/352275690018

Nice thanks for the post

rioreef · Mar 15, 2018

Great find on the eBay item. Looks like mine that I built. Not as fun and satisfying though

.

This option is for those that want the DDR tile to show in Fusion (without having to buy one) AND have two optical sensors for what ever use. Done and ready to plug in!

beboyle · Mar 15, 2018

Debacle said:
Yeah but $45? Nty. If you really wanted to do it yourself you can build your own using old computer power supply cable and a resistor you can pick up on Amazon for a few dollars per dozen.

Don't overlook that you also get two optical sensors for that $45. They look and work just like the Apex sensors. Worth it just for those to me.

Engloid · Mar 23, 2018

Not bad...but only a 3ft cable...

Engloid · Mar 24, 2018

CuseReefer said:
Sorry if anyone has been trying to contact me. My private messages have been disabled for selling these kits. I am other forums under the same user handle. Such as neptunes.

sent msg on Neptune site.

Greenstreet.1 · Mar 24, 2018

Engloid said:
sent msg on Neptune site.

Sent one months ago still no reply it looks like they may have blocked him

radiata · Mar 24, 2018

I've tried to reach out to him too. I'm already the happy owner of one of his BOBs, and want another. There is a post somewhere where he says he will no longer be making them. Not sure if it his health issues, or his paranoia.

Would some one please convince Avast to make them?

Engloid · Mar 24, 2018

Maybe the Neptune mafia got him suicided

Engloid · Mar 24, 2018

If somebody gave me enough info that I could build them, I'd do it and nobody would stop me. You don't see Ford out there threatening companies that make brake pads to fit their cars. I'm not an electronics guy though, so I'd have to be spoon fed the info.

radiata · Mar 24, 2018

Engloid said:
Maybe the Neptune mafia got him suicided

I don't think Neptune is that heavy-handed. They might have told him that he couldn't use the word "Apex" on his circuit board, but they certainly haven't gone after Avast for designing a better Apex compatible BOB than the one they make. I'm more curious to know what made the site cancel his private mail.

Engloid said:
If somebody gave me enough info that I could build them, I'd do it and nobody would stop me. You don't see Ford out there threatening companies that make brake pads to fit their cars. I'm not an electronics guy though, so I'd have to be spoon fed the info.

The hardest part would be the designing of the circuit board. (There are small companies that will do small runs of a circuit board for you.) I think the information is already available on how the board works and on the components needed to turn the circuit board into a functional BOB. And, I think there are photos around of the original board. The second hardest part would be designing a box to put it in - the original board came bare, without such a project box.

If I wanted to manufacture one, I think I'd offer the designer a fee for each one I sold in exchange for the use of his design, rather than designing a replacement from scratch. (I'm an electronic nitwit.)

I wish you all the best on commercially building one. I'll be the first in line waiting to buy it...

Dr. Reef · May 21, 2018

So after reading this thread and with some info I already had I jumped into the project. It was easy and not so difficult at all.
I ordered 2 sensors from eBay for less than $10. I used a network Ethernet cable to join all the necessary wires and attached the 6 pin head to it. It works perfectly fine.
Noticed no one has ever posted any pics of the final product so here are few of mine I made.

Dxpert · May 21, 2018

Thanks for posting the pictures and the write up. Where did you buy the 6pin header from?

I noticed in the picture you are dosing nitrates and alk. Can you explain what you are dosing? What about calcium?

Dxpert · May 21, 2018

Thanks for posting the pictures and the write up. Where did you buy the 6pin header from?

I noticed in the picture you are dosing nitrates and alk. Can you explain what you are dosing? What about calcium?

Dr. Reef · May 21, 2018

I bought the header from online company, link mentioned on this thread first page.

Yes I dose alk, cal, mag, nitrates and lanthanum chloride.
Just not visible in pic. I have first 4 on 2x dos and lanthanum on brs 1.1ml doser.

ricowind · May 30, 2018

I recently purchased the harness from Ebay and want to create an extension cable, does anyone know where I can purchase the connectors and pins both male and female?

your help is appreciated

markstubb · May 30, 2018

I had to roll my own extension cables when I made this last year. would be nice if someone found some

Dr. Reef · May 30, 2018

https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/molex-llc/43025-0600/WM1785-ND/252498

this is where i got all the connectors and pins to go inside the connectors

blazeby · Jun 3, 2018

I just ordered this cable and cut it in half and taped up the exposed wires. It's a Molex to Molex cable so one cable works for two DOS units...

https://www.arrow.com/en/products/2451320605/molex